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Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit

Provinces and territories are responsible for delivering health care services, guided by the provisions of the Canada Health Act. Health care services include insured hospital care and primary health care, such as physicians and other health professional services. Like any other resident, First Nations people and Inuit access these insured services through provincial and territorial governments.

However, there are a number of health-related goods and services that are not insured by provinces and territories or other private insurance plans. To support First Nations people and Inuit in reaching an overall health status that is comparable with other Canadians, Health Canada's Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program provides coverage for a limited range of these goods and services when they are not insured elsewhere.

The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program is Health Canada's national, medically necessary health benefit program that provides coverage for benefit claims for a specified range of drugs, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, short-term crisis intervention mental health counselling and medical transportation for eligible First Nations people and Inuit.

Drug Benefit List

The Drug Benefit List is a listing of the drugs provided as a benefit by the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program. The listed drugs are those primarily used in a home or ambulatory setting. Benefit Updates to the Drug Benefit List are generally issued on a quarterly basis.

News and Updates about Your Health Benefits

This section contains important news and updates about the NIHB Program.

NIHB Program updates are intended to inform First Nations and Inuit clients, as well as their representative organizations, about their coverage as well as NIHB policy and benefit updates:

The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program Annual Report provides national and regional data on the Program's eligible client population, expenditures, and benefit utilization. The Annual Report also provides an update on NIHB's efforts in the area of client safety.

Important Resources and Contact Information For Your Health Benefits

This section contains links to important resources and contact information to help answer your questions about the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.